How much do you want to hold a sit-in?

 Abdolreza Khazaei / Journalist

In recent days, rallies have been held in opposition to the hijab law in some parts of the country, which are more like a momentary and symbolic show than a passionate and inclusive social movement. These gatherings, which are mainly held in front of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and some other government centers, take place at a time when the country's major and priority issues, including economic and social crises, require more attention.

While the number of participants in these rallies is far smaller than portrayed, the aligned media and some politicians present it as a broader representation of public opinion.

 Yesterday, Jawad Nikbin, a member of parliament, claimed that some of the participants in these gatherings are financially supported by certain people and stay in the relevant places at night. While this comment may have been made as an accusation or a question, it is a reflection of a grim reality: do these protests really represent the demands of society or are they merely a tool for political pressure and group interests?

It is noteworthy that most of these movements occur among small populations and in special situations, especially when attention to the country's vital issues is desperately needed.

In fact, in a situation where public demands and social demands are different from what is manifested in these gatherings, the question arises whether these theatrical movements really represent the problems of the people or merely a tool to advance specific and group goals.

 If these movements have covert support, their legitimacy and effectiveness will be severely questioned.

This shows once again that any social movement must truly represent the demands of the general public, rather than falling into the hands of certain groups and political pressures. Only then can we hope for its positive and lasting effect.